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<p>Obbe Vermeij, a veteran former lead at Rockstar Games, has offered his insights into why so few developers attempt to challenge Grand Theft Auto’s undisputed reign over the urban open-world genre.</p>
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<p>With the *Watch Dogs* franchise reportedly on ice, the lukewarm reception of the 2022 *Saints Row* reboot potentially ending that series, and Square Enix showing no interest in reviving *Sleeping Dogs*, the "GTA-style" sandbox is becoming a rarity. While titles like *Cyberpunk 2077* deliver impressive urban environments, they function primarily as RPGs rather than the pure, chaotic sandboxes Rockstar is known for. Despite the lack of current rivals, Vermeij believes there is a significant strategic opening for someone new.</p>
<p>"I’d argue there’s actually a massive opportunity right now because it's essentially just GTA, and everyone else has effectively surrendered," Vermeij, who served as Rockstar's technical director for nearly 14 years, noted in a recent conversation with <a href="https://www.gameshub.com/news/article/obbe-vermeij-interview-2849146/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gameshub</a>. "From a business perspective, it's risky, but because Rockstar's releases are so far apart—likely an eight-year gap between *GTA 6* and whatever follows—the door is wide open."</p>
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<p>Vermeij suggested that a city-based game released during these long hiatuses could find success by exploring unique settings, such as a futuristic world or a city like Moscow. "It’s definitely an opportunity," he said, though he admitted that "most developers are simply intimidated by the prospect of going head-to-head with GTA."</p>
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<p>Beyond the intimidation factor, the sheer financial investment required for a high-quality open world is a major barrier. "Launching a new IP is incredibly difficult. That’s the challenge Leslie [Benzies, former Rockstar president and founder of Build a Rocket Boy] is currently navigating," Vermeij added. "Audiences aren't familiar with your brand yet, and they’re quick to abandon a game if even the smallest detail feels off."</p>
<p><em>In a separate reflection, the former technical director admitted he wasn't initially a fan of GTA 4, noting that the team had to make significant "sacrifices" during its development.</em></p>
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Source: gamesradar.com
